SUPERMODELS Jessica Gomes and Montana Cox have given their definitive
list of the top 10 reasons why they love Melbourne fashion.
Gomes
and Cox, who are David Jones ambassadors, will hit the runway for the
retail giant at the opening night of the Virgin Australia Melbourne
Fashion Festival on Saturday.Montana Cox and Jessica Gomes pose up for VAMFF15 at Naked For Satan. Picture: Tony Gough.1. MELBOURNE IS AUSTRALIA’S STYLE CAPITAL Jessica:
“Melbourne has an undisputed edge in fashion. There is something
magical about the whole city — the architecture, the food, the gardens,
the festivity. It’s a cultural hub. Melbourne has a very European feel.
It reminds me of Paris or Berlin where the environment really reflects
what people wear everyday.”Montana: “Melburnians are
experimental with their fashion and like to dress for themselves rather
than follow a trend. Melbourne has incredible street style. We have a
‘no rules’ approach to dressing.”2. MELBOURNE CELEBRATES AND SUPPORTS LOCAL DESIGNERS

Jessica: “This city comes to life during VAMFF and Spring Fashion Week — events dedicated to fashion and Australian designers.”Montana:
“There are wonderful accolades (like the Tiffany and Co National
Designer Award). There also seems to be great Government support for
retail in Melbourne.”Montana Cox and Jessica Gomes pose up for VAMFF15 at Naked For Satan. Picture: Tony Gough.3. THERE IS EXCITING DESIGN TALENT COMING FROM MELBOURNEJessica: “One of my favourite new designers is Melbourne’s Strateas. Carlucci. Their pieces are beautifully tailored and minimalist.”Montana:
“I love Strateas. Carlucci — it’s a go-to in my wardrobe and it’s been
amazing to see the brand take off overseas. For men, I like Jack London,
which is very rocker-cool.”Montana Cox pose up for VAMFF15 at Naked For Satan. Picture: Tony Gough.4. 50 SHADES OF BLACKJessica:
“Black is the new black in Melbourne. It is a shade Melburnians pull
off so well, styled with different textures, like mixing leathers, furs
and wools, to make it more dimensional.”Montana: “Head to toe black always looks chic when it’s done right. It is a wardrobe staple in Melbourne, worn year-round.”5. COOLER CLIMATE MEANS INCREDIBLE OUTERWEARJessica: “Melbourne has real seasons so you can go to town with statement outerwear and never feel overdressed.”Montana:
“Melburnians invest in beautiful winter-wear, something which you don’t
get the chance to do in Sydney because there are only a few really cold
weeks.”6. VINTAGE SHOPPINGJessica:
“Vintage clothes are iconic in Melbourne. I’ve seen fashionable people
in Melbourne who wear vintage and up-cycle their wardrobe.”Montana:
“Being a Melbourne local, I know all about pulling off a vintage
wardrobe. Two of my favourite vintage stores are Retrostar and Hunter
Gatherer7. MELBOURNE GETS RACEWEARJessica: “A Melbourne crowd at the racetrack isn’t afraid to embrace new trends, and they do headwear and millenary really well.”Montana: “There’s total respect for the prestige and elegance of trackside fashion. Women always look classy and men enjoy suiting up.”8. STREET STYLE SAVVY
Jessica:
“The street looks in Melbourne are very considered, like people piece
together their outfits thoughtfully. They have a great eye for what
works.”
Montana: “People get dressed to go for coffee and you
would never go to the shops in tracksuit pants. Melburnians always look
polished.”9. ACCESSORIES AREN’T FORGOT
Jessica:
“In Melbourne, it’s all hats, scarfs, knee-high leather boots,
statement necklaces, gloves, Everything has its own place in an outfit.”
Montana:
“When I come home, I feel like I can go crazy with accessories. I feel
right at home wearing my beautiful felt hat in Melbourne.”10. FASHION MARKETSJessica: “Melbourne has some of the best markets in Australia and it’s such a fun outing.”Montana:
“It’s where Melbourne loves to be creative and show off their work. I
love The Big Design Market, Camberwell Market and Take 2 Market.”